FAQ'S
Can you sand a 3D printed prop? |
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Absolutely! We only print in PLA for that very reason, ABS and the other print materials are extremely toxic to your nervous system, PLA is derived from a plant source and is non-toxic. There are no fumes or worry's from sanding dust.
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What types of paints can be used? |
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All types! Enamel spray paint works the best! You can get this from any store that sells spray paint. Also model paint works great. You can even airbrush without an issue. We have also had many customers that use nothing but paint pens with fantastic results!
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Do you need a primer? |
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We always suggest a filler primer, filler primer is much easier to sand and smooth everything out then sanding the plastic directly.
But a primer is not necessary if you are using enamel or urethane paints. They adhere without issue. |
Recommended painting steps? |
| Painting steps we recommend. Use all FLAT paints (you will get your shine with the last step, clear coat) 1. Go ahead and pre-assembly the model first (this helps to understand where you do and don't need paint. 2. Wipe the model down to remove any dust. 3. Lightly prime with a FILLER PRIMER (remember to always use light coats, you can always add more coats as needed and this reduces the chance of runs). 4. If you decided to wait on sanding until after priming you can do that at this point if needed, which is easiest, 5. Wipe the model down and tape off any areas that don't need to be painted yet. 6. Apply a few light coats. Again you can always add more. Repeat steps 5 and 6 for each additional color. 7. Last but not least apply a clear coat to seal everything and give it a shine. |
What types of glue do I use? |
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If your model needs glue we recommend only Mitreapel CA and activator Glue. Which can be found here under the supplies category or by using the addon function on each product page. CA glue that uses an activator give a bit or time to position your part before you spray it with activator. |
What do I do before I start painting? |
| The very first step ALWAYS is pre-assemble the kit. 1. This allows you to see how the model goes together 2. This allows you to see where you don't need to bother to paint. 3. If your model has moving parts this allows you to see where not to build up the paint to thick. The second step is to ALWAYS test your painting skills and paint order on something else, like a piece of cardboard. plastic or metal. 1. This allows you to not only get used to the flow of spray but may give you some new creative ideas that you haven't previously thought of. 2. This also allows you to see if you like the colors. |
Do you have any tips on giving it that "weathered look"? |
| Sure do, the number one way to weather a model is to use water based acrylic paint before your clear coat. 1. Decide what color of weathering you want. For example, you want to make it look well used. 1. Take black or a dark amber acrylic paint and put a small amount on a rag. 2. Now use the rag and rub the paint into the cracks, crevices and anywhere you want. 3. Now take another rag and start rubbing the paint off. You can repeat this to increase the weathering as you like. 4. Once everything is the way you want you can spray your clear coat. |